Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has raised concerns over the rise of extremism in Nigerian tertiary institutions, calling them fertile ground for recruitment by extremist groups and criminal organizations. He highlighted this issue on Friday during his address as a guest lecturer at the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State.
Represented by Kaduna State Commissioner of Education, Prof. Muhammad Sani Bello, Sani pointed to the growing influence of extremist ideologies on campuses, noting that the situation is aggravated by socioeconomic challenges like unemployment and poverty.
Governor Sani cited a recent incident at FUDMA where a student was arrested for possessing ammunition meant for criminal activities, describing this as a disturbing example of students being drawn into violence and radical ideologies. “Such developments not only endanger the lives of the students involved but also threaten the integrity of the institution and the safety of the entire academic community,” he said. He added that students’ vulnerability to radicalization stems from frustrations with the political system, lack of job opportunities, and exposure to radical ideologies.
He also criticized the lack of adequate infrastructure and technology for ensuring security on campuses, which leaves institutions vulnerable to criminal activities, including banditry and kidnapping.
While insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP are more active in Nigeria’s northeast, he warned that the influence of these groups extend across the country, destabilizing the region, displacing millions, and destroying educational infrastructure.
The governor highlighted the “brain drain” effect of insecurity, revealing that several senior professors at FUDMA have recently withdrawn from their roles, citing security risks. These faculty members have either relocated to safer areas within Nigeria or sought opportunities abroad.
